First Words

I have learned that you have to prioritize the words you try in any new language. The first words to learn are:

1) "How much?" This year alone, I have learned to say "How much?" in Spanish, Mongolian, Russian, Chinese, Amharic and Tibetan.

Followed by a close second of:

2) The numbers

Only after you have mastered those will you need to say:

3) "Thank you"

And finally, only if you plan on riding the subway or any really crowded place, you learn to say:

4) "Sorry"

That will cut it just about anywhere.

The word "please" isn't on my list; if it was, it would be about #435....only Canadians say please. We also say sorry, a lot.